delightful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delightful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that brings great pleasure or joy, often in relation to experiences, food, or people. Example: "The dessert was absolutely delightful, leaving everyone at the table smiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McCreery followed up that disc with a far superior second album that launched the delightful single See You Tonight.

The Guardian - Music

It has a delightful flower-fringed swimming pool with bar, and a small private beach on the other side of the boundary wall.

The Guardian - Travel

I've had my jog, put the bins out, made dinner for the kids (a quite delightful mushroom risotto), and now I've got a glass of red beside me and I'm ready to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Clinton's apology echoed a reflection – racist and arrogant as it was – in my grandfather's letters: "The natives work with delightful laziness under their enormous hats and sparse beards.

The Guardian - Opinion

They had just sat through nearly four hours of a delightful hors d'oeuvre in the first semi-final, Wawrinka, Roger Federer's conqueror in the last eight, finally crushing their hero, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.

The Guardian - Sport

The rooms are basic, but the hospitality is warm, there's a delightful garden and it's in a good location near the bus station.

The Guardian - Travel

The main bedroom has views out to the water; the other double bedroom opens on to the delightful garden, with its crunchy green lawns, planted with prickly pear and agave, and an old well.

The Guardian - Travel

He curled a delightful shot over Petr Cech and into the corner and Chelsea were behind for the first time since 13 September.

The Guardian - Sport

When Jane Grigson did her delightful last series Slow Down, Fast Food, we photographed a gigantic hamburger with an implausible bite taken out of it, our tasteful riposte to the cigarette-stubbed-out-in-the-fried-egg school of lurid food photography.

The Guardian

In a statement issued several hours later, the Simtek team said: "He was a true all-rounder whose brave driving style and delightful character will be sadly missed by so many around the world".

The Guardian - Sport

Any chance to witness Broadbent in full comic German mode (see also the new Paddington movie in which he plays the delightful Mr Gruber – "You are pulling my legs off!") must be grabbed and treasured.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of "delightful", pair it with specific details that evoke sensory experiences. For example, "the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread" or "the delightful sound of children laughing".

Common error

While "delightful" is a positive and expressive word, overuse in formal writing can make the tone seem overly enthusiastic or insincere. Opt for more neutral or precise language like "satisfactory" or "pleasing" in professional communications.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "delightful" primarily functions to describe nouns by attributing a quality of pleasingness, enjoyment, or satisfaction. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility in expressing positive attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Travel

16%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Books

3%

TV & Radio

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delightful" is a versatile and commonly used adjective to express pleasure and satisfaction. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts like News & Media, Travel and Sport. While "delightful" is generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the tone and audience when choosing between "delightful" and more formal alternatives such as "pleasing" or "satisfactory". With a source quality score of 91 and an expert rating of 4.5, Ludwig confirms that "delightful" is a reliable choice for conveying positive sentiment in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleasing

Focuses on the act of giving pleasure or satisfaction.

enjoyable

Emphasizes the experience of deriving joy or amusement.

charming

Highlights attractiveness and the ability to please or attract.

lovely

Suggests a sense of beauty and gentle pleasure.

wonderful

Implies a sense of awe and great pleasure.

splendid

Conveys magnificence and great pleasure.

agreeable

Focuses on the quality of being pleasing or acceptable.

pleasant

Highlights the quality of being agreeable and enjoyable.

gratifying

Emphasizes the sense of satisfaction and pleasure received.

exquisite

Highlights the delicate beauty and refined pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "delightful" in a sentence?

You can use "delightful" to describe something pleasing or enjoyable. For example, "The concert was a "delightful" experience", or "She is a "delightful" person to work with".

What words are similar to "delightful"?

Similar words include "pleasing", "enjoyable", "charming", and "lovely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "delightful" in formal writing?

While "delightful" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal or enthusiastic in certain professional contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "pleasant" or "satisfactory".

What's the difference between "delightful" and "pleasant"?

"Delightful" suggests a stronger sense of joy and pleasure than "pleasant". "Pleasant" indicates something agreeable and enjoyable, while "delightful" conveys a higher level of satisfaction and happiness.